71 New Zealanders have drowned so far this year. It's 17 more lives lost in a preventable incident than at the same time last year.
That's why Water Safety NZ and CLM SwimMagic are challenging families to step up, get involved, and Be a Legend for water safety by getting their WOF for summer.
Water Safety NZ Chief Executive Glen Scanlon says getting your water WOF is a perfect way for people to get actively involved in Water Safety Month, ensure they are ready for summer, and also help raise funds to help others.
"We know that children learn best when they're engaged and having fun. This campaign brings families together to build water safety knowledge, test themselves through friendly competition (with some prizes) and make a real difference for other children in their communities.
"Water safety skills are essential for every New Zealander. Unfortunately, cost is still a barrier for many families. Through this campaign, we're helping raise awareness of simple actions that keep people safe around water while also helping more children access lessons that could one day save their life."
Glen encourages people to take part and donate.
“Be a legend and do something that will help keep the people you love safe and other New Zealanders too.”
General Manager of Programmes and Community Engagement at CLM SwimMagic, Lynn Cartwright, says the partnership reflects a shared commitment to safer communities.
"Every day our teams see the positive impact that Water Skills for Life lessons have for children and families. Swimming isn't the same as surviving and learning isn't just about confidence in the water. It's about building lifelong skills that reduce risk and help children enjoy New Zealand's waterways safely.
"The Be a Summer Ready Legend campaign gives families a fantastic opportunity to learn together, compete together and contribute towards making lessons available to more people who might otherwise miss out."
Community Leisure Management CEO Craig Carter says water safety is a responsibility shared by all New Zealanders.
“We’re an island nation and we’re incredibly fortunate to spend our summers in and around the water. But with that privilege comes a shared responsibility to make water safety a priority.
“Everyone has a part to play in making sure our whānau and communities can enjoy the water safely. We’re incredibly proud of the role our team plays in helping New Zealanders build the skills, confidence and safer habits they need to enjoy the water safely.”
Throughout the campaign, participants will be encouraged to complete water safety challenges, learn key safety messages and support fundraising efforts through their local communities. Funds raised will go towards helping others access water safety education.
Glen Scanlon says every family involved would be playing a part in creating a stronger culture of water safety.
"The ultimate goal is simple: We want more people to have the skills, confidence and knowledge to be safe around water. By combining education, participation and fundraising, we're creating a movement that benefits the whole community."
For more information or to donate: summer-ready-legend.raiselysite.com
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